Michael J. Fox Special Review: 'Adventures of an Incurable Optimist'

On May 7, 2009, in a joint venture between ABC and Penn State Hershey Neuroscience Institute, which is part of the Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center, the Michael J Fox special 'Adventures of an Incurable Optimist' was aired. The special was based on Fox's New York Times best seller, 'Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist'. This book is Fox's memoir and personal journey after receiving what he referred as a gift, the gift of Parkinson's disease.

At age 29, this famous actor's life was permanently altered. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's is a neurological disorder which affects approximately 6.3 million people. It is a disease normally associated with older adults as 50% of those with the disease are over the age of fifty. The disease causes shaking, twitching, problems with balance, muscle aches, pain and in some depression. The disease is progressive and chronic; over time neurological cells in the brain, responsible for movement, are ravaged. Although there are medications that can help slow the progression of this disease, at this time Parkinson's is incurable.

One might expect that Michael J Fox would have a pessimistic attitude toward life; this Parkinson's patient is anything but. In the days of housing foreclosures, a recession and being forced to live within the limitations of his body it is amazing that Fox isn't exhibiting feelings of discouragement. During the special he admitted to having some darker days but overall he is optimistic. Fox described himself in the shows opening scene, by stating how others describe him. He said he has been describe as an actor, a patient, a patient advocate but insists that the title he prefers is that of being the called the "Incurable Optimist".

During the hour special, Fox took his viewers on a tour of optimistic people and places throughout the world. Highlights of the hour where his discussion with Lance Armstrong, the Tour de France seven time champion and cancer survivor, a visit to Wrigley Field - where he met with Bonnie Hunt, TV star and Cubs fan (the Cubs are known for their well known baseball loosing streak) and his visit to Bhutan, a country whose happiness of its people is a priority.

It was interesting to note that in the USA, where our nation's Declaration of Independence speaks of the "unalienable Rights" of "the pursuit of happiness", that this small nation in the Himalayas appears to have achieved happiness. When Fox interviewed their Prime Minister, the world had a chance to learn how much this small Kingdom values happiness. It actually measures GNP (Gross National Happiness) much the way the US government monitors GNP (Gross National Product).

During the course of the hour-long-special, evidence is given that perhaps the reason for Fox's happiness, or for that matter anyone one else's, answer may be contained in their genes. In speaking to a researcher, he asked the question "so is happiness, nature or nurture". The researcher's response was it is both. In Fox's case, it is evident that he has made a conscious decision to pursue happiness.

Fox has said, "Right now, things are tough and people have reason to expect the worst. But I see a real effort by people to turn all that into a positive - to seize the opportunity to strive for something better." Considering the shape of the world's economy, the fact that the world teeters on the edge of a global pandemic, the show 'Adventures of Incurable Optimist' may have been the best shot in the that's available to combat negativity. If you missed the show you may want a copy of his New York Times Best-Seller, 'Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist'. If you are interested in winning a copy for yourself or a friend, go to the websites listed below, as the deadline for the Penn State Contest is May 8, 2009:

www.pennstatehershey.org/web/neuroscience/home/optimist

For Texas residents only:

http://www.ksat.com/sponsors/19308955/detail.html

Sources:

http://www.abc.com

http://www.michaeljfox.org/

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5iAgbeIUf3kValXxNh5zvKZsuPWnA